Clerical Attire

The Church, itself the great sacrament of Christ’s presence, rejoices in another “outpouring of the Spirit”—the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Out of the body of initiated believers—anointed in the Holy Spirit through the Sacrament of Baptism, strengthened in the Sacrament of Confirmation, and nurtured with the Bread of Life—Christ calls some to ordained service. The Church, discerning their vocational charism, asks the bishop to ordain them to diakonia. (National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States, No. 23)

In order to facilitate the proper identification of a permanent deacon in particular pastoral settings, Bishop McCormack has granted permission for the permanent deacons of the Diocese of Manchester to wear a gray clerical shirt, with a Roman collar. The gray colored shirt has been chosen because experience in other dioceses has shown that a specific color helps everyone differentiate between a priest and a deacon.

While use of clerical dress may enhance their ministry, the deacon must always keep in mind the instructions from the National Directory for the Formation of Deacons in the United States:

#89 – Clerical Attire:

The Code of Canon Law does not oblige permanent deacons to wear an ecclesiastical garb. Further, because they are prominent and active in secular professions and society, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops specifies that permanent deacons should resemble the faithful in dress and matters of lifestyle. Each diocesan bishop should, however, determine and promulgate any exceptions to this law, as well as specify the appropriate clerical attire if it is to be worn.

The two principles to keep in mind as deacons use this privilege are

First “their witness” to the faithful means that clerical garb is the exception, not the norm
Second, that no deacon is ever required to wear clerical garb if he chooses not to [do so]

Diocesan Policy

Regarding Clerical Attire for Permanent Deacons

Effective March 1, 2006, Bishop John B. McCormack grants permission for the permanent deacons of the Diocese of Manchester to wear a gray clerical shirt, with a Roman collar, for particular pastoral settings.

The gray colored shirt has been chosen because experience in other dioceses has shown that a specific color helps everyone differentiate between a priest and a deacon.

The pastoral settings in which a permanent deacon may wear clerical garb are:

Assigned Prison Ministry
Funerals/Wakes/Committals representing the parish
Hospital/Nursing Home Visitation representing the parish.

Any questions about this statement or policy can be directed to Deacon Arnold Gustafson at (603) 352-3525 or deaconaja02@hotmail.com.